Salman Rushdie stabbed in neck in New York, shifted to hospital by chopper

New York: India-born author Salman Rushdie was attacked by a man in New York, on Friday. Rushdie, the controversial author, who has been facing multiple death threats from Islamic groups, was stabbed in the neck by a man when he was about to deliver a lecture during an event at the Chautauqua Institution in Western New York. New York State Police said that Rushdie was transported to a hospital in a helicopter and his condition is 'not known'.

"State Police are investigating an attack on author Salman Rushdie prior to a speaking event at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY. On August 12, 2022, at about 11 a.m., a male suspect ran up onto the stage and attacked Rushdie and an interviewer (sic)," New York Police said in a statement.

"Rushdie suffered an apparent stab wound to the neck, and was transported by helicopter to an area hospital. His condition is not yet known. The interviewer suffered a minor head injury. A State Trooper assigned to the event immediately took the suspect into custody. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene," the statement further said.

Rushdie, 75, won the Booker Prize for his book - Midnight's Children. His book - The Satanic Verses, that was released in 1988 forced him into hiding for almost a decade. In 1989, a year after The Satanic Verses was published, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called for Rushdie's execution for the book's 'blasphemous' content. Iran also offered USD 3 million bounty for anyone killing Rushdie.

"Thank you to the swift response of @nyspolice & first responders following today's attack of author Salman Rushdie. Our thoughts are with Salman & his loved ones following this horrific event. I have directed State Police to further assist however needed in the investigation," said New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.